Antidepressants post risk for newborns

Reports published in the beginning of February 2006 found that women who take Prozac, a common antidepressant drug, during the second half of their pregnancy are about six times more likely to give birth to a baby with a rare, but potentially fatal, heart and lung condition.

The FDA held a news conference on February 8, 2006 and is expecting to issue a public health advisory based on the finding. According to reports, the FDA is also considering asking the drug’s maker to add warning labels to the antidepressant’s packaging.

What’s even more troubling is that a 1996 report concluded that researchers had found evidence that antidepressants could cause fetal damage—-yet the drug industry pushed these pills anyway.

The antidepressants in question are called SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. They include the drugs: citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline, which are sold under 19 brand names including Celexa, Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft.

Babies born with the lung disorder Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH), often require mechanical assistance to breathe. Between 10 percent and 20 percent of these newborns will die soon after birth, while others will have developmental delays, hearing loss and brain abnormalities.

As time goes on it appears that the drug industry is delivering more harm than good to depression suffers and their families. It’s clear–happiness and health can not be found in a pill. The answer that so many people are looking for is simple–take responsibility for your own health. Stay informed and take care of yourself through regular chiropractic care, a healthy diet and regular exercise.